Attempt to set structure off Turkey fails

By OGJ editorsHOUSTON, Oct. 05 -- Toreador Resources Corp., Dallas, reported an unsuccessful attempt to set a protective production structure for the recently completed Ayazli 2 and 3 gas wells in the South Akcakoca subbasin in the Black Sea off Turkey (OGJ Online, Aug. 18, 2005).

The structure's main caisson was damaged during installation, and operations were suspended due to weather. Toreador reported no injuries or environmental damage.

Both Ayazli wells will be redrilled if the caisson cannot be repaired. Toreador, operator, said it doesn't expect the incident to delay the start of production. It plans to deploy a second jack up to keep the project on schedule.

The Prometheus jack up, which was installing the production structure, will move to the next drilling location south of the Akkaya discovery. The Cayagzi-1 will be the first of the remaining wells to be drilled in the first phase of development.

Work programs and budgets are expected to be finalized shortly for second and third development phases, likely to involve up to four additional wells north of the Ayazli discovery, and up to three wells on acreage operated by Turkey's state-owned oil company, TPAO.

Partnership equities are equal for all the development phases. Toreador holds 36.75%, TPAO 51%, and Stratic Energy Corp., Calgary, 12.25%.